Trade with Calgary: Montreal may have just acquired a good young defenseman or Kent Hughes' son
The first major trade of the new general manager of the Canadians is only a few days old and we are already wondering what will be the next step regarding the rebuild announced by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.
But if we were to focus on the first pick acquired from the Flames in the trade of Tyler Toffoli, the Alberta team currently sits first in the Pacific Division and it is clear that the GM, Brad Traveling, has the intention to be among the buyers in view of the March 21 trade deadline.
So the chances of seeing the Flames slip down the standings and that their first-round pick, the one involved in the Toffoli trade, ends up in the top-10 are pretty slim, Kent Hughes will likely be able to take advantage of it this year.
If we rely on the list of the NHL Central Scouting, we could have an idea of the players who will be available.
Let's suppose the Flames' pick is somewhere close to the 20th spot. Two names could then hold the attention of Habs' fans.
First of all, we notice Quebecer Tristan Luneau of the Gatineau Olympiques. Ranked 10th in North America, the solid right-handed defenseman could become an excellent prospect for the Canadiens and given the need on the right side, with the exception of Logan Mailloux, he would represent quite an acquisition from Kent Hughes. This year, Luneau has 16 points in 30 games.
There is also the son of the new GM, Jack Hughes, who finds himself in 7th place among the best skaters in North America.
Playing at Northeastern University in the NCAA, the center would be a logical choice for the Canadiens, not only because of the family connection, but also because Hughes is a six-foot center and at this position, it's always worth a lot.
Would you be happy if either of these two players were drafted by Kent Hughes?
There is still a lot of hockey to play until then, it is always interesting to speculate on the players that the new Habs staff will choose in its first draft.
To view the full list of top prospects heading into the upcoming draft, click below.
Top 2022 NHL Draft Prospects List
